Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Jala Clothing Review & Giveaway




I'm a really big fan of Yoga.  Its my favorite form of exercise because it leaves both my mind and spirit feeling invigorated. After months of being on bed rest and having a new baby, I am looking forward to finding some time to get back into the swing of things. Comfortable clothes are one of the most important things to remember when you're doing yoga, or really any kind of exercise. And guess what? Being comfortable and being stylish in your yoga attire is a possibility. Especially if you shop at  Jala Clothing. They have a full line of comfortable, breathable yoga wear that are not only cozy, but fashionable as well.



For my review, I was sent the Mandala Gathered Waist Yoga Pants which is one of their most popular designs. They are so comfortable, and easy to move around in. I had no trouble getting into my Yoga positions. The gathered waist is loose and doesn't cut off your circulation. The full length pants are perfect for the fall, but are not too long. They  make it easy to get into difficult positions without tripping over the hems.  The material is super soft and the color didn't fade in the washer. But what I love the most about them is the beautiful Mandala symbol that is emblazoned on both the hip and ankle.   Mandala is a Sanskirt word meaning circle and this ancient symbol has been a meditation tool for centuries which helps you achieve higher levels of consciousness.




In addition to their yoga pants, Jala Clothing also offers tank tops, cardigans, capris, shorts and more in tons of colors and designs. All of their clothing is designed by an artist and yoga instructor  who endeavors to create clothing that is not only stylish and comfortable, but spiritually inspired. Be sure to check out their sale section for savings on already low prices. Plus shipping is free on all orders in the US! And head over to their face book page for the chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate to their store. For the best in style, comfort, and urban simplicity, check out Jala Clothing for all your yoga wear needs!



One lucky winner is going to receive the same pair of beautiful Mandala Yoga Pants that I received to review in the size of their choice. To enter, this giveaway, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. You will be able to enter this giveaway at both the New Age Mama and Author Laura DeLuca blogs. You only need to enter ONCE. Please do not enter on both blogs. Entries will be merged and one winner will be chosen.  Thanks again to Jala Clothing for offering this great prize.








***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. Please note that I am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

Friday, August 12, 2011

Otaku Express Winner!




The winner of the Otaku Express Giveaway is #20

Christina said... 20

Christina -  - I love the Moogle Charm Bracelet, and I really love the Destiny giveaway necklace!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Win a Copy of Destiny from One2Try!



My good friend Rita from the One2Try blog is helping to spread the word about Destiny by hosting a giveaway!  Head on over to One2Try and enter for your chance to win a signed copy of my book as well as a package of incense!  The giveaway will run through 8/16/11.  Rita has lots of other great reviews and giveaways going on as well, so be sure to check them all out.

Excerpt From The Search for Destiny (Sequel to Destiny)



Darron was on the roof of a large building, elevated dizzyingly high over the road below. Other skyscrapers bordered it, but it was by far the largest building in the general area, standing several stories higher than it's neighbors. The few cars that dotted the street below looked like insects. Above him, the moon shone full, round, and red in the night sky. It was an autumn moon, a blood moon. By the light of that moon, Darron was able to see the practiced movements of six black-cloaked figures, who swayed to the steady beat of an invisible drum. Their shapes were obscure in the pale light, and it was impossible to determine if they were men or women because the dark, hooded robes they wore hid their features from view.

There was an altar erected in the center of a circle that was outlined in black charcoal. On that altar sat the normal tools of ritual: a black tipped dagger, a silver chalice, an incense burner, and multiple black candles. Darron owned similar items. They weren't frightening in themselves. But the altar, like the people who lingered around it, was outlined by a shimmering black aura. The vibrations they relayed were no less than evil. Their presence made Darron shudder. He watched in horror, as a silent and unwelcome spectator to the forbidden rights.

Four of the cloaked figures took up the elemental corners, preparing to call the Guardians. The Guardians answered their call, unable to ignore the summons because magick can't be divided into good and evil. It's both because nature is both, harsh and devastating yet beautiful and gentle as the need arises. It was just as easy for the dark witches to harness the destructive forces of nature as it was for Darron and his coven to call upon its life giving magick. Good or evil was in the heart of its master, not in the magick that was wielded.

A fifth cloaked figure, the apparent leader of the group, stood in the center of the circle with the dagger raised high above his head. The sixth and final coven member groveled at the feet of the leader, his head lowered in acquiescence. The hood of his cloak hid his face though he was no more than a few feet away from Darron.

"Brother and sisters," the leader proclaimed, his accented voice heavy with his foreboding presence. "Tonight in the wake of the blood moon, we come together to bring a new brother into our fold. He has completed the required tasks and proven himself worthy to join us in our work."

"So mote it be!"

The four other cloaked figures cried out in perfect unison. Their hands were raised to the sky in honor of the blood moon.

The leader picked up the chalice from the altar. He followed the path of the circle to all of the elemental corners, stopping at each of the robed coven members in turn. Each offered their willing hands to their leader, palm outward. Each welcomed the point of the black edged dagger as it dug into their open palms without so much as a gasp of pain. The high priest cut a clean line down the centers of the palms of his disciples, and they all squeezed their fingers against the open wound to allow the blood to drip into the waiting chalice.

After collecting the offering from his followers, the leader returned to the center of the circle and the waiting initiate. With one quick motion, he sliced open his own palm. He held his hand over the cup, letting his blood drip slowly into the chalice, until the wound miraculously healed before Darron's startled eyes. When the chalice was full, he carried it to the eager initiate who took the cup firmly into his hands and tilted it towards his lips.

"As this blood makes you one with our flesh, so your soul follows to become one with the darkness," the English voice intoned.

As the initiate drained the last of the liquid in the chalice, his hood fell away, revealing a blonde ponytail pulled back over a pale white face, made even paler by the outline of bright red blood around his lips. Darron watched in stunned, horrified silence as his own face turned to meet his gaze. Eyes turned as black as coals stared back at Darron with a grim smile of satisfaction.

"Rise Darron," the leader commanded. And as he spoke, he lifted the hood from his head. Rise brother of the Dark Coven."



***This is just a small excerpt from the sequel to my young adult novel, Destiny.  The book is complete and even better than the first, if I do say so myself. If you want to see this book in print, we need to sell more copies of the original. So get one today or tell your friends to get one. I would love to continue the series. I have the third book started, and can keep going for at least two more, but I need your support. Get your copy on Amazon today or stay tuned for the e-book which will be available shortly. ****